BR: We'll unleash the supporters' passion

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool fans will take the atmosphere at Anfield to new heights when they are 'unleashed' against Manchester City during Sunday's showpiece clash.

The Reds, who currently top the Barclays Premier League table, can move seven points clear of rivals City, who will still have two games in hand, with a win in the early kick-off.

Rodgers, who praised the raucous atmosphere served up by the supporters during the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, is expecting the Kop to be in full bloom again at the weekend.

The famous old stand will be bedecked with banners and flags as the noise levels are ratcheted up - and the manager cannot wait to experience the matchday buzz.

"The beauty for us is that this game is at Anfield," Rodgers told the reporters who packed into the press room at Melwood on Friday afternoon.

"It's a special place to play football. We will unleash the supporters this weekend on the opponent and it's a very, very difficult place now for people to come and play.

"I sense a real nostalgia about the place at the moment. There's a real feel of the old Liverpool and I'll always respect that, but it's important that it helps drive us forward in the future as a motivation rather than a hindrance."

The Reds now boast a run of nine consecutive league victories, having thrashed Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs during a truly spellbinding charge towards the division's summit.

Rodgers' side are the league's only unbeaten team of 2014 and on Sunday, they will look to extend a phenomenal Anfield record to 15 wins out of 17 games so far this season by beating Manuel Pellegrini's City.

However, the manager insists that away from the spotlight, Melwood has managed to retain a calm and composed atmosphere, where the workers are relaxed and yet focused on the task in hand.

According to Rodgers, such a spirit of unity permeates the whole set-up, and stems from the people in the canteen, to the likes of Dr Steve Peters, who has worked closely with the first-team squad, and indeed through to the players themselves.

"I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by an outstanding team of professional people," continued the Northern Irishman.

"It's unfair to single out any one. Steve Peters has come in and ultimately I have a belief in that sort of mental fitness of players and environment and he's come in and done a great job in supporting us in that.

"At this stage of the season, every person is important. From the people who work in our canteen, to the girls on the front reception, to the players. This is very much a team effort here."